A Pac-Man-themed arcade could anchor a new mixed-use building at 110 S. Liberty St. in downtown Powell. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed preliminary plans for the project Sept. 9.

Architect Michael Schulte of Creative Studio Architects presented plans for a building of up to three stories in front of the Liberty Green Townhomes. The arcade would occupy part of the first floor. The rest could house a restaurant or a complementary business, according to Delaware Source.

The retro gaming theme would not stop at the front door. Pac-Man characters would be etched into the building's front facade, and a large mural is planned for the back. Schulte said even if a future tenant replaces the arcade operator, the exterior artwork is meant to stay as a permanent nod to the building's origins.

The second floor could serve as event or office space. The third floor's use remains undefined. Schulte said he is exploring a rooftop area set back from the street so the building still reads as two stories from the sidewalk, similar to the COhatch rooftop space nearby.

City Planning Manager Claudia Husak said Economic Development Director Sean Hughes has been recruiting potential tenants for the building's remaining space.

Commission members urged the developers to commit to the theme. "This is something that's outside of the box. It's more of an experience, which I know we're dying for here, especially with younger residents and clientele," Commission Member Shaun Simpson said.

Commission Member David Lester encouraged the team to continue with the Pac-Man concept.

The site at 110 S. Liberty St. has a layered history. A 2014 plan for the property envisioned preserving a historic structure along South Liberty Street and adding commercial frontage, according to commission records. That structure was significantly damaged in 2025 and later demolished with commission approval, clearing room for the larger footprint now proposed.

In April, the commission approved a final development plan for 14 new townhomes directly behind the arcade site, along with parking. The arcade plans add eight more parking spots beyond what the townhome approval included.

Schulte and the developer must return to the commission with a final development plan before the project can move forward. No date has been set for that review.